Marlon Samuels and Darren Bravo took full advantage of a batting paradise and got the most out of their starts, which was exactly what the West Indies openers and Bangladesh's top seven batsmen failed to do. Darren Sammy is now hoping to extend their unbeaten 198-run third-wicket stand deep into the third day to take control on a pitch that is unlikely to aid the bowlers.

"We need to get [a lead of] 250-plus," Sammy said. "The way we bat tomorrow will determine how the Test match goes. If we bat to our full potential, we will score over 500 or 600 runs. We want to give them a 200-plus lead and take ten wickets in their second innings.

"I think the wicket is getting a little slower and turning a little slower. It looks a little drier after the day's play. Three days are left in the Test match, so there's no hurry. It's Test cricket, you have got to exercise your patience," he said.

Patience was exactly what Samuels and Bravo applied when they came together to bat in the first session of play. They rode out the threat posed by Rubel Hossain and when Shakib Al Hasan and Sohag Gazi bowled, they only looked for runs off deliveries that were either really short or full. Samuels never went for the extraordinary in his 282-minutes stay. He batted out 107 balls to reach the half-century and took roughly the same - 110 - to score the next fifty runs. He took out his lucky yellow scarf, but probably there were only two occasions when he needed luck - on 15 and 19 - when he survived two big leg-before shouts by Shakib.

Samuels has now completed three Test hundreds this year - five overall. The impact of his measured approach, Sammy believes, is crucial to the team's position in the Test match.

"Marlon [Samuels] has been [an integral part of the team] for the last year and a half," Sammy said. "I think he has scored over 700 runs for this year, and in all formats he has been batting really well. We have asked guys to take responsibility, and I'm happy to see him do that.

"He didn't have a score in the last game. Before he came here, he was looking to score three international hundreds. The way he went about it, that's what we are used to from him. Bravo had a good knock in the second innings in Dhaka. He looks really good."

Bravo, too, was impressive and undertook a cautious approach from the beginning. By the time he ended the day unbeaten on 85 off 197 balls, it was his eighth fifty-plus score in the subcontinent out of his twelve such innings in his career.

The two stroke-players also saw off periods where the boundaries had dried up as Mushfiqur Rahim employed the in-and-out field. It worked for Bangladesh and it was just the staying power of the two batsmen that stopped them from creating more chances. They batted at a run rate of 2.95 in the first session, 2.80 in the second and just a tad over three in the final session of play.

"We as a team normally score quickly. The wicket looks easy to bat out there, the two guys have played really well. They would know the pace of the wicket, and the tempo in which they could score.

"The key is to bat once in this Test match. If the pair can give us a solid start, it would be good with the likes of Shivnarine Chanderpaul and the rest of the batsmen coming in next".

I agree with the earlier comment. WI look to be aiming for a score of 630-640 at around Lunch on Day 4 leaving 150 overs for Bangladesh to survive with a 250 run lead. From as early as Day 2 this seemed to be the plan with the way Bravo and Samuels were scoring - enough to keep things going but not so fast that they risk getting out or having WI declare too early by a day in the match.

satspeare
on November 23, 2012, 0:20 GMT

@Technical-1 - you sure know how to show your LOVE for the man!! Shiv scored faster in his double century in the first test than both Marlon and Darren is doing so far in this one. he does have the fourth fastest century in test - so he knows how to score fast. His slow scoring has primarily been because he had to hold the batting together and ensure than wickets are not falling at both ends. take a look at his strike rate in one-dayers also and be puzzled as to why we are reluctant to play him in those games, especially since we are all out before 50 overs.
In Guyana, we say -"when you don't like someone, you give them a basket to carry water"- so here is Shiv's basket again - not out on a double and declaration made -wonder if that would have been done if it was any other batsman. or would they have been given another hour or so.

Right from the beginning of his career this has been happening. Remember Lara's 375? Shiv 75 n.o. WI declare, 100 denied inspite of the inevitable draw.

on November 22, 2012, 23:58 GMT

it looks like BD has lost the grip...may be it can be the same old story...the way Bd bat first innings was not good. Bd top orders play too many shorts. W I batsman showed how to bat on this wicket with patience.

on November 22, 2012, 21:53 GMT

Wi should make around 630 and declared by lunch of the 4th day. WI would have enough time to bowl the tigers out:u GO WINDIES!!! <3

hashir86
on November 22, 2012, 20:51 GMT

yes sammy is absolutely right, West Indies should try and bat only once in this test match, as we have seen in the last test match, on day 4 & 5, the ball starts to turn and bounce and its not easy to bat in the 4th innings, so lot depends on Darren & Marlon...hope they continue for as long as possible & push bangladesh out of this match...
GO WINDIES GO

Technical-1
on November 22, 2012, 19:50 GMT

No No.. Keep Shiv out of this Match.. The run rate is already slow.. Please not Shiv.. I Love him to death.. But he will make this Match a dead dried and Bury in the Hades, Game..

Now This is to Gayle.. The hell you doing? Paddled that dung heap ball to the keep.. That was a triple century for the taking..
I turn the Darn TV off after your dismissal..When ever you play your natural game you always do well. When you start to do the Shiv thing.. It ain't you bro.. Stop it.

on November 22, 2012, 15:59 GMT

On a wicket that offers little to the batsmen,Marlon Samuels & Darren Bravo gave very little away to the Bangledesh bowlers; After falling cheap in the first test, Samuels has bat with care along with the tempermental D Bravo to put the Windies into a position of posting a score of 500+ ensuring a win to sweep the series. On 85 n.o Bravo looks well set to join his partner in posting a century. The Wi has shown that they have the bowlers to bowl Banga out, they are not to be taken lightly;Bangladesh has shown that they are capable of posting high scores, plus the wicket is playing quite docile.It is the experience of the bowlers that has made the difference so far.Sammy must allow Best to share the new ball, he has shown that he is quite capable of putting the ball in the right places once he settles down.He has earned his place,10 overs is certainly not enough for him to bowl unless he is hurt, This tour is an excellent opportunity for Edwards & Best to pair together.

on November 22, 2012, 14:58 GMT

Tomorrow will be crucial in the outcome of the series

InsideHedge
on November 22, 2012, 14:30 GMT

As an Indian fan, I've been looking at the scores in this series with interest. I wrote in before the series that they need to first take matches into the 5th day, a feat that seemed to be beyond them too often. In the 1st Test, they did just that, they could even have won the game. Here, they are fighting hard.

The performance by the #10 is the stuff of boyhood dreams, a sensational feat, something all Bangla fans should be proud of. The debutant in the 1st Test, Gazi, is proving to be a courageous player, he's dismissed Gayle twice now. Lots of interest even for a neutral fan like myself.

sawifan
on November 22, 2012, 14:24 GMT

i like the way Sammy speaks about the patience needed in Test cricket. Yes, they are only playing Bangladesh, but BAN are improving. He is showing great awareness, especially in this T20 era, and especially from a captain who just won the World T20. West Indies can only go forward with him at the helm. Go Sammy!!

ChrisH
on November 23, 2012, 12:42 GMT

I agree with the earlier comment. WI look to be aiming for a score of 630-640 at around Lunch on Day 4 leaving 150 overs for Bangladesh to survive with a 250 run lead. From as early as Day 2 this seemed to be the plan with the way Bravo and Samuels were scoring - enough to keep things going but not so fast that they risk getting out or having WI declare too early by a day in the match.

satspeare
on November 23, 2012, 0:20 GMT

@Technical-1 - you sure know how to show your LOVE for the man!! Shiv scored faster in his double century in the first test than both Marlon and Darren is doing so far in this one. he does have the fourth fastest century in test - so he knows how to score fast. His slow scoring has primarily been because he had to hold the batting together and ensure than wickets are not falling at both ends. take a look at his strike rate in one-dayers also and be puzzled as to why we are reluctant to play him in those games, especially since we are all out before 50 overs.
In Guyana, we say -"when you don't like someone, you give them a basket to carry water"- so here is Shiv's basket again - not out on a double and declaration made -wonder if that would have been done if it was any other batsman. or would they have been given another hour or so.

Right from the beginning of his career this has been happening. Remember Lara's 375? Shiv 75 n.o. WI declare, 100 denied inspite of the inevitable draw.

on November 22, 2012, 23:58 GMT

it looks like BD has lost the grip...may be it can be the same old story...the way Bd bat first innings was not good. Bd top orders play too many shorts. W I batsman showed how to bat on this wicket with patience.

on November 22, 2012, 21:53 GMT

Wi should make around 630 and declared by lunch of the 4th day. WI would have enough time to bowl the tigers out:u GO WINDIES!!! <3

hashir86
on November 22, 2012, 20:51 GMT

yes sammy is absolutely right, West Indies should try and bat only once in this test match, as we have seen in the last test match, on day 4 & 5, the ball starts to turn and bounce and its not easy to bat in the 4th innings, so lot depends on Darren & Marlon...hope they continue for as long as possible & push bangladesh out of this match...
GO WINDIES GO

Technical-1
on November 22, 2012, 19:50 GMT

No No.. Keep Shiv out of this Match.. The run rate is already slow.. Please not Shiv.. I Love him to death.. But he will make this Match a dead dried and Bury in the Hades, Game..

Now This is to Gayle.. The hell you doing? Paddled that dung heap ball to the keep.. That was a triple century for the taking..
I turn the Darn TV off after your dismissal..When ever you play your natural game you always do well. When you start to do the Shiv thing.. It ain't you bro.. Stop it.

on November 22, 2012, 15:59 GMT

On a wicket that offers little to the batsmen,Marlon Samuels & Darren Bravo gave very little away to the Bangledesh bowlers; After falling cheap in the first test, Samuels has bat with care along with the tempermental D Bravo to put the Windies into a position of posting a score of 500+ ensuring a win to sweep the series. On 85 n.o Bravo looks well set to join his partner in posting a century. The Wi has shown that they have the bowlers to bowl Banga out, they are not to be taken lightly;Bangladesh has shown that they are capable of posting high scores, plus the wicket is playing quite docile.It is the experience of the bowlers that has made the difference so far.Sammy must allow Best to share the new ball, he has shown that he is quite capable of putting the ball in the right places once he settles down.He has earned his place,10 overs is certainly not enough for him to bowl unless he is hurt, This tour is an excellent opportunity for Edwards & Best to pair together.

on November 22, 2012, 14:58 GMT

Tomorrow will be crucial in the outcome of the series

InsideHedge
on November 22, 2012, 14:30 GMT

As an Indian fan, I've been looking at the scores in this series with interest. I wrote in before the series that they need to first take matches into the 5th day, a feat that seemed to be beyond them too often. In the 1st Test, they did just that, they could even have won the game. Here, they are fighting hard.

The performance by the #10 is the stuff of boyhood dreams, a sensational feat, something all Bangla fans should be proud of. The debutant in the 1st Test, Gazi, is proving to be a courageous player, he's dismissed Gayle twice now. Lots of interest even for a neutral fan like myself.

sawifan
on November 22, 2012, 14:24 GMT

i like the way Sammy speaks about the patience needed in Test cricket. Yes, they are only playing Bangladesh, but BAN are improving. He is showing great awareness, especially in this T20 era, and especially from a captain who just won the World T20. West Indies can only go forward with him at the helm. Go Sammy!!

No featured comments at the moment.

sawifan
on November 22, 2012, 14:24 GMT

i like the way Sammy speaks about the patience needed in Test cricket. Yes, they are only playing Bangladesh, but BAN are improving. He is showing great awareness, especially in this T20 era, and especially from a captain who just won the World T20. West Indies can only go forward with him at the helm. Go Sammy!!

InsideHedge
on November 22, 2012, 14:30 GMT

As an Indian fan, I've been looking at the scores in this series with interest. I wrote in before the series that they need to first take matches into the 5th day, a feat that seemed to be beyond them too often. In the 1st Test, they did just that, they could even have won the game. Here, they are fighting hard.

The performance by the #10 is the stuff of boyhood dreams, a sensational feat, something all Bangla fans should be proud of. The debutant in the 1st Test, Gazi, is proving to be a courageous player, he's dismissed Gayle twice now. Lots of interest even for a neutral fan like myself.

on November 22, 2012, 14:58 GMT

Tomorrow will be crucial in the outcome of the series

on November 22, 2012, 15:59 GMT

On a wicket that offers little to the batsmen,Marlon Samuels & Darren Bravo gave very little away to the Bangledesh bowlers; After falling cheap in the first test, Samuels has bat with care along with the tempermental D Bravo to put the Windies into a position of posting a score of 500+ ensuring a win to sweep the series. On 85 n.o Bravo looks well set to join his partner in posting a century. The Wi has shown that they have the bowlers to bowl Banga out, they are not to be taken lightly;Bangladesh has shown that they are capable of posting high scores, plus the wicket is playing quite docile.It is the experience of the bowlers that has made the difference so far.Sammy must allow Best to share the new ball, he has shown that he is quite capable of putting the ball in the right places once he settles down.He has earned his place,10 overs is certainly not enough for him to bowl unless he is hurt, This tour is an excellent opportunity for Edwards & Best to pair together.

Technical-1
on November 22, 2012, 19:50 GMT

No No.. Keep Shiv out of this Match.. The run rate is already slow.. Please not Shiv.. I Love him to death.. But he will make this Match a dead dried and Bury in the Hades, Game..

Now This is to Gayle.. The hell you doing? Paddled that dung heap ball to the keep.. That was a triple century for the taking..
I turn the Darn TV off after your dismissal..When ever you play your natural game you always do well. When you start to do the Shiv thing.. It ain't you bro.. Stop it.

hashir86
on November 22, 2012, 20:51 GMT

yes sammy is absolutely right, West Indies should try and bat only once in this test match, as we have seen in the last test match, on day 4 & 5, the ball starts to turn and bounce and its not easy to bat in the 4th innings, so lot depends on Darren & Marlon...hope they continue for as long as possible & push bangladesh out of this match...
GO WINDIES GO

on November 22, 2012, 21:53 GMT

Wi should make around 630 and declared by lunch of the 4th day. WI would have enough time to bowl the tigers out:u GO WINDIES!!! <3

on November 22, 2012, 23:58 GMT

it looks like BD has lost the grip...may be it can be the same old story...the way Bd bat first innings was not good. Bd top orders play too many shorts. W I batsman showed how to bat on this wicket with patience.

satspeare
on November 23, 2012, 0:20 GMT

@Technical-1 - you sure know how to show your LOVE for the man!! Shiv scored faster in his double century in the first test than both Marlon and Darren is doing so far in this one. he does have the fourth fastest century in test - so he knows how to score fast. His slow scoring has primarily been because he had to hold the batting together and ensure than wickets are not falling at both ends. take a look at his strike rate in one-dayers also and be puzzled as to why we are reluctant to play him in those games, especially since we are all out before 50 overs.
In Guyana, we say -"when you don't like someone, you give them a basket to carry water"- so here is Shiv's basket again - not out on a double and declaration made -wonder if that would have been done if it was any other batsman. or would they have been given another hour or so.

Right from the beginning of his career this has been happening. Remember Lara's 375? Shiv 75 n.o. WI declare, 100 denied inspite of the inevitable draw.

ChrisH
on November 23, 2012, 12:42 GMT

I agree with the earlier comment. WI look to be aiming for a score of 630-640 at around Lunch on Day 4 leaving 150 overs for Bangladesh to survive with a 250 run lead. From as early as Day 2 this seemed to be the plan with the way Bravo and Samuels were scoring - enough to keep things going but not so fast that they risk getting out or having WI declare too early by a day in the match.